What is Escherichia coli?
Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a type of bacteria that is normally found in the intestines of humans and other warm-blooded animals. Most strains of E. coli are harmless and even help keep the digestive tract healthy. However, some strains can cause diarrhea, urinary tract infections, and other serious illnesses.
What does Escherichia coli do in the body?
Most strains of E. coli are harmless and actually play a beneficial role in the body. They help to break down food, produce vitamins, and keep the intestines healthy. However, some strains of E. coli can produce toxins that can cause illness. These toxins can damage the lining of the intestines, leading to diarrhea, bloody stool, and other symptoms.
What if you have too high Escherichia coli?
Having too high levels of E. coli in the body can lead to a number of health problems, including:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Abdominal cramps
- Blood in the stool
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a rare but serious condition that can damage the kidneys
If you have symptoms of E. coli infection, such as diarrhea, vomiting, or fever, it is important to see a doctor right away.